Place as muse: how aruba shapes my fiction
It’s time to sit down around the campfire as I tell you the intriguing, compelling, soul-stirring story of how Aruba became both the catalyst and muse for my writing journey.
Please do me a favor: imagine stars twinkling above, firewood crackling below, and just for funsies… we’re roasting s’mores.
Okay? Ready?
Back to the story.
San Nicolas, Aruba
July 2024
(I’ve been teasing this for a few blogs, now’s your chance to finally know why.)
Every year, my family and I take our annual trip to the motherland, better known to the world as Aruba. But that year, I was on a specific quest: to remain in a constant state of rest and relaxation.
I wanted everything I did to be about rest. I even picked a devotional to guide me through this intention. Ironically, I learned that it’s really hard to rest when you have dreams that have gone unfulfilled.
One page in, the author asked a simple question:
“Is there anything God has put on your heart to do that you have not done?”
A still, small voice whispered back:
“Write a book.”
I immediately answered, “I’ve never done that before.”
Without hesitation, the voice returned:
“You’ve never done the job you’re doing now, but you’re doing it.”
Whew. That was the truth—and I couldn’t deny it.
A Drive That Changed Everything
Later that day, we got in our rental car and made our way to San Nicolas. And in the 10-minute drive, I had the entire concept for my book and the first outline drafted.
It was so easy to hear the story at that moment with the desert landscape of Aruba surrounding me with the sea close enough to dive in
As we drove through the colorful, mural-covered streets of San Nicolas, I could feel the heartbeat of the place calling to me. It’s probably no surprise then that my very first manuscript takes place right there.
But Aruba is not just a setting in my work in progress (WIP). It is a character. living, breathing, and ever-present
Emotional Storytelling
Aruba didn’t just inspire me; it helped me tap into the depth of memory. It gave me access to feelings I hadn’t touched in a while:
Watching my kids play in the sand at Baby Beach
Seeing my parents hold hands while shopping in Oranjestad
Eating a warm pastechi while walking barefoot down a dirt road
All of it the joy, the awe, the nostalgia, feeds directly into my storytelling. Those memories are more than sweet reflections. They’re emotional anchors I draw from when crafting scenes meant to feel real.
Writing with Purpose
For me, writing with a purpose does more than drive a plot. It uplifts the story and the audience. In this work, I’ve found so much purpose in sharing my family’s stories and showcasing the richness of Aruban culture.
Their stories matter. This place matters. And I want you to meet them on the page.
Turn the corner in my book and you’ll turn a corner in San Nicolas. I want you to taste the culture, feel the sun, and know the spirit of the island through every word.
Final Thoughts
My hope is that you have or will find a place, a person, or a memory that becomes your personal muse.
That muse should:
Help you tap into your emotions
Remind you of your purpose
And allow you to tell stories that are both healing and impactful
If you’re looking for a place to start, might I humbly suggest...
Book a flight to Aruba.
Trust me— you won’t regret it.
In fact...
I know you won’t. 💛
